Apparatus and methods for securing a belt used in martial arts and other combative sports

ABSTRACT

An apparatus and associated method are disclosed for releasably securing sections of fabric forming a belt around a user, and in particular a belt of the type used in martial arts and other combative activities. The apparatus has an elongate thin strip of material having a length substantially greater than a width, divided by a first section and a second section between its end, and thereby having four surface sections. The surface sections can be configured with fastening hooks or receiving loops, or be smooth, to provide fastening surfaces, receiving surfaces, and non-fastening/receiving surfaces. In use the strip of material is looped between and around layers of a belt tied with a knot such that a first fastening surface contacts and adheres to at least a portion of an opposing receiving surface to secure the strip of material in a loop around the layers of the belt in the area of the knot to prevent unraveling during an activity.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

NOTICE OF MATERIAL SUBJECT TO COPYRIGHT PROTECTION

A portion of the material in this patent document may be subject tocopyright protection under the copyright laws of the United States andof other countries. The owner of the copyright rights has no objectionto the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or thepatent disclosure, as it appears in the United States Patent andTrademark Office publicly available file or records, but otherwisereserves all copyright rights whatsoever. The copyright owner does nothereby waive any of its rights to have this patent document maintainedin secrecy, including without limitation its rights pursuant to 37C.F.R. § 1.14.

BACKGROUND 1. Technical Field

The technology of this disclosure pertains generally to a fasteningapparatus and method, and more particularly to an apparatus and methodfor reversibly securing a belt used in martial arts and other combativesports activities when the belt is fastened around the user's body.

2. Background Discussion

In martial arts and other combative sports activities, the participantswill typically wear a loose-fitting uniform that will allow free,unconfined motion of the arms, legs and body during the activity.Although there may be slight variations in design and name depending onthe martial art, participants in combative sports activities will wearthe uniform for training, techniques and competitions. The uniformtypically consists of a pair of trousers with a drawstring or elasticwaist band and a top or open jacket that is wrapped around the torso ofthe wearer and kept in place with a fabric belt bearing the wearer'srank.

The belt of the uniform is tied around the waist to secure the jacketwith a characteristic knot that leaves both ends of the belt to dangleat each side of the knot. Often, the belt will come loose duringtraining or competition, requiring the participant to stop the activity,re-wrap and re-tie the belt in order to continue. Delays due to belttying may provide an advantage or benefit to an opponent duringcompetition or may interfere with the flow of instruction or practice.Accordingly, there is a need for devices and methods for reversiblysecuring the belt of a martial arts uniform so that it does not unravelduring the activity.

BRIEF SUMMARY

Apparatus and associated methods are provided for releasably securing afabric belt that is wrapped around a user and tied with a knot. By wayof example, and not of limitation, the apparatus can be used to securethe dangling belt “tails” on each side of the knot by reversiblysecuring the belt tails to a portion of the belt that is engaged withthe torso of the user, preferably closer to the knot than to the end ofthe belt tail. Retention of the belt by the apparatus greatly inhibitsthe occurrence of knot loosening and the associated delays andinconvenience from re-tying the knot as well as potential interferencearising from flapping belt ends.

In one embodiment the apparatus generally comprises an elongate thinstrip of material having a length substantially greater than the width,with a top surface and a bottom surface that are each divided into afirst section and a second section along the length of the strip. Thetwo sections are configured with hook and loop fasteners placed on atleast some of the surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment, the top surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the topsurface of the second section comprises a soft smooth or plush surface,the bottom surface of the first section comprises a hook material toprovide a second fastening surface that is beneath the first fasteningsurface so that fastening surfaces are on opposite sides of the strip,and the bottom surface of the second section comprises a loop materialto provide a first receiving surface.

In various embodiments, one or both ends of the strip may be reinforcedat their tips to provide tabs that can be grasped by the finger andthumb of the user to disengage the hook and loop fastener portions ofthe strip. The end tips can, for example, be a sewn material or aplastic or rubber piece, or be otherwise reinforced. The end tips may besized to allow the thumb and fingers to grip the tab and easily separatethe joined hook and loop elements. The reinforced end tips of the stripalso resist curling of the ends after repeated use as well as fraying ofthe ends.

In one mode of operation, the strip of material is inserted lengthwisebetween layers of the secured belt, and looped around the belt and oneof the free ends of the knotted belt. One fastening surface of the stripis brought into contact with a receiving surface of the strip to securethe free end to the wrapped portion of the belt. In one embodiment, abottom receiving surface engages the fastening surface on the oppositetop side of the strip. In another embodiment, a top receiving surfaceengages a fastening surface on the opposite bottom side of the strip.

Further aspects of the technology described herein will be brought outin the following portions of the specification, wherein the detaileddescription is for the purpose of fully disclosing preferred embodimentsof the technology without placing limitations thereon.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

The technology described herein will be more fully understood byreference to the following drawings which are for illustrative purposesonly:

FIG. 1 is a top plan schematic view of an embodiment of a belt securingapparatus of the present description.

FIG. 2 is a bottom schematic view of the apparatus of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a cross-section view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 taken throughline 3-3.

FIG. 4 is a top plan schematic view of an alternative embodiment of abelt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip.

FIG. 5 is a top plan schematic view of a second alternative embodimentof a belt securing apparatus with a reinforced tip and a tail end piece.

FIG. 6 is a top plan schematic view of a third alternative embodiment ofa belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tip andthat has a tapered shape and rounded distal end.

FIG. 7 is a top plan schematic view of a fourth alternative embodimentof a belt securing apparatus with a stiff, rubber end piece on the tipthat has a square shape.

FIG. 8 is a schematic view of the belt securing apparatus of FIG. 1 asviewed from the front left side showing an example of how the device canbe installed on a belt and how the receiving and fastening sections ofthe apparatus can be coupled together to secure the belt.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of placement of a beltsecuring apparatus on each side of the knot of a belt.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring more specifically to the drawings, for illustrative purposesseveral embodiments of a securing apparatus for belts for martial artsand other combative sports uniforms of the present description aredepicted generally in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7. FIG. 8 illustrates how abelt securing apparatus as described herein can be configured forsecuring a belt according to an embodiment of the presented technology.FIG. 9 shows a belt secured around the waist or torso of a user with aconventional knot wherein the apparatus is placed on each side of theknot to secure the belt and prevent unraveling according to anembodiment of the presented technology. It will be appreciated that themethods may vary as to the specific steps and sequence and that theapparatus may vary as to structural details without departing from thetechnology disclosed herein. The method steps are merely exemplary ofthe order that these steps may occur. The steps may occur in any orderthat is desired, such that it still performs the intended function ofthe presented technology.

Referring now to FIG. 1 through FIG. 3, in a non-limiting preferredembodiment a belt securing apparatus 10 generally comprises a thin,elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a length and awidth, first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length issubstantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is dividedinto a first section 12 and a second section 14 between the first andsecond ends. The two sections 12, 14 are configured with hook and loopfasteners (e.g. Velcro™ or similar planar fasteners) placed on at leastsome of the surfaces.

In the embodiment shown, the top surface 16 a of the first section 12comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, the topsurface 18 a of the second section 14 comprises a substantially smoothsurface that is preferably soft or plush, the bottom surface 16 b of thefirst section 12 comprises a hook material to provide a second fasteningsurface that is beneath the first fastening surface so that fasteningsurfaces are on opposite sides of the strip, and the bottom surface 18 bof the second section 14 comprises a loop material to provide a firstreceiving surface.

In a variation of the above embodiment (not shown), instead of beingsmooth the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can also comprise aloop material to provide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment,the first section 12 has top and bottom fastening surfaces 16 a, 16 band the second section 14 has top and bottom receiving surfaces 18 a, 18b.

In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of thefirst section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a firstfastening surface, the top surface 18 a of the second section 14 can besmooth, the bottom surface 16 a of the first section 12 can be smooth,and the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprise a loopmaterial to provide a first receiving surface. In this embodiment, thereis a single fastening surface 16 a and a single receiving surface 18 bin different sections on opposite sides of the strip.

In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of thefirst section 12 can comprise a hook material to provide a firstfastening surface, the bottom surface 16 b of the first section 12 canbe smooth, the bottom surface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprisea loop material to provide a first receiving surface, and the topsurface 18 a of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material toprovide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the firstsection 12 has a single fastening surface 16 a and the second section 14has top 18 a and bottom 18 b receiving surfaces.

In still another embodiment (not shown), the top surface 16 a of thefirst section 12 can be smooth, the top surface 18 a of the secondsection 14 can comprise a loop material to provide a first receivingsurface, the bottom surface 16 b of the first section 12 can comprise ahook material to provide a first fastening surface, and the bottomsurface 18 b of the second section 14 can comprise a loop material toprovide a second receiving surface. In this embodiment, the firstsection 12 has a single fastening surface 16 a and the second section 14has top 18 a and bottom 18 b receiving surfaces.

It will be appreciated that the terms top surface” and “bottom surface”are used herein as relational terms herein and not to denote componentsor characteristics of the apparatus. For example, the terms “uppersurface” and “lower surface” or “first surface” and “second surface” aresynonymous with “top surface” and “bottom surface”, respectively.

It will also be appreciated that the terms “first section” and “secondsection” are used herein as relational terms as well, and that eithersection can be a “first section” with the other section being a “secondsection”.

It will further be appreciated that the relative position of the sectioncarrying a hook fastener and the section carrying a loop fastener can beeither proximal or distal in strip of material depending on the end thatis used as the origin. It will also be appreciated that the terms“proximal” and “distal” as used herein are relational terms and caninterchanged based on the point of origin.

It will also be appreciated that there are four surfaces that can bepatterned with either loops or hooks (two on first section 12 and two onsecond section 14). The preferred embodiment, however, is a dualhook-patterned fastening section 12 and a single loop-patternedreceiving section 14.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7, both surfaces 16 aand 16 b of first (fastening) section 12 comprise an outwardly-facinghook-patterned material to form dual fastening surfaces. Thisconfiguration promotes attachment of either surface 16 a or 16 b withthe loop-patterned surface 18 b of second (receiving) section 14 even ifthe body of material is twisted.

As shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 3, surface 18 a of second (receiving)section 14 in this embodiment does not comprise any loop-patternedmaterial so as to form a substantially flat and smooth surface.Preferably, surface 18 a comprises a soft or plush otherwisenon-abrasive material or fabric. This may be formed from the backing ofthe loop material of surface 18 b itself, or by a separate layer (notshown) of soft non-hook or loop (e.g., flat surface) material that issewn or otherwise attached (e.g. adhesive) to the back side of thesecond section 14. In another embodiment (not shown), the positions ofthe loop and plain surfaces of second section 14 can be reversed.

In one embodiment, first section 12 and second section 14 compriserespective lengths of hook and loop material that are sewn together orotherwise attached to form a seam at junction 15, with their sidesoriented to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16 a, 16 b, 18 aand 18 b.

In another embodiment, a solid, soft backing material or fabric (notshown) can be used as substrate that runs along the length of thesections 12, 14, and respective segments of the hook and loop materialcan be oriented and attached (e.g. sewn, adhesive, etc.) to thesubstrate material to form the desired configurations of surfaces 16 a,16 b, 18 a and 18 b.

Refer now to the length (L₁, L₂) and width (W) notations in FIG. 1.

While the belt restraining and securing apparatus 10 may comprise anumber of sizing configurations, in one embodiment the preferred lengthL₁ of section 12 is approximately 3⅞ inches and the preferred length L₂of section 14 is approximately 5⅜ inches to form a strip of a total ofapproximately 9¼ inches in length. The preferred width W of theapparatus ranges from approximately ½ inches to approximately ¾ inchesand more preferably approximately ⅝ inches. However, it will beunderstood that these preferred dimensions are illustrative and notintended to be limiting.

A child or junior sized belt restraining and securing apparatus may havea preferred length L₁ of section 12 of approximately 3¼ inches and thepreferred length L₂ of section 14 of approximately 4¾ inches to form astrip of a total of approximately 8 inches in length. As with theadult-sized apparatus, the preferred width W ranges from approximately ½inches to approximately ¾ inches and more preferably approximately ⅝inches. Here also it will be understood that these preferred dimensionsare illustrative and not intended to be limiting.

While the embodiments shown in FIG. 1 through FIG. 7 are shown tocomprise a generally elongate rectangular shape, it will be appreciatedthat any number of shapes and sizes can be used for the apparatus. Forexample, the corners of the apparatus may be rounded. Alternatively, orin combination with such rounding, a portion of the apparatus body maybe tapered along a portion of its length or at an end.

As shown in the embodiments of FIG. 4 through FIG. 7, a tab or otherwisereinforced segment 20 may be located at an end of the apparatus to allowfor ease of removal or separation of the hook and loop material torelease the apparatus from its secured state (see e.g., FIG. 8). In oneembodiment, the tab 20 can comprise a stitched base material so that noadditional material for the tab is provided. The end tab 20 may betapered, rounded, or square so that it can be easily grasped by thethumb and forefinger to attach or separate the sections of the apparatusby the user. The material of tab 20 may be sewn cloth, rubber, vinyl,leather, plastic or other material that provides a location to grip theapparatus and position or separate the fastening and receiving surfacesbut does not attach to the hook or loop material. The tab 20 also helpsto avoid fraying, curling or separation of the ends of the apparatusfrom repeated attachments and release of the hook and loop fastenersover time.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5, the tab 20 comprises aflexible material stitched onto the base material or simply reinforcingstitching in the base material so that no additional material for thetab is provided. The embodiment of FIG. 5 not only comprises a distaltab 20 but also comprises a proximal tab 22 of a material that does notcouple to the hook or loop sections. The proximal tab 22 in thisembodiment provides a similar end fraying avoidance function to that ofthe distal tab 20 and is preferably smaller is size than the distal tab20. The distal tab 20 and proximal tab 22 are preferably flexible andresilient. In one embodiment, the distal tab 20 and/or proximal tab 22comprise reinforcing stitching in the base material so that noadditional material for the respective tab is provided.

In the embodiments shown in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the tab 20 is formed froma ridged rubber material or the like. The rigid tab provides the userwith tab surfaces to grip and pull to separate the fastening andreceiving portions of the strip or to align the fastening and receivingportions while securing the belt.

Refer now to FIG. 8 and FIG. 9. A belt of the type described herein isnormally worn by wrapping it around the user's body twice and tying aknot in the belt. The result is that there will be two layers of beltmaterial circumscribing the user's body and a third layer dangling astails on each side of the knot. A first layer 26 is closest to thewaist/torso of the user. A second layer 28 is adjacent to and outwardfrom the first layer. Both the first and second layers are held tight orsemi-tight around the waist/torso when the knot is tied. The third layer30 is formed by the remaining tails of the belt on each side of the knot34 that are outward from the second layer, and which are unrestrainedand can flop around.

In one embodiment, to secure the belt the user first orients theapparatus with the hook surface 16 b and loop surface 18 b facing awayfrom the user and with the distal end (the end with tab 20) orientedupward. Next the user inserts the proximal end and a portion of theapparatus downward between the first 26 and second 28 layers of thebelt. The user then takes the distal end, loops the distal end and aportion of the apparatus over the outward facing portion of third layer30 (belt tail), and loops the distal end below the third, second andfirst layers and upward behind the first layer (between the backside ofthe first layer and the user's body) so that the smooth soft surface 18a is closest to the waist/torso of the user. Finally, the user takes thedistal end and loops the apparatus back on itself away from the user andabove the first, second and third layers such that the hook materialsurface 16 a is received on secured to the soft loop material surface 18b and the tab 20 faces outward. Once attached, a loop is formed thatholds the belt in place and prevents or inhibits the belt 24 unravelingduring activity. Only the smooth soft surface 18 a is exposed (all hookmaterial 16 a, 16 b and loop material 18 b is secured inward) so as notto create a rough or catching surface/texture that could be bothersometo the user.

It will be appreciated that FIG. 8 illustrates how the apparatus wouldbe used when a belt is wrapped around the user's torso twice as iscustomary. However, the apparatus can also be used when the beltencircles the user's torso only once. In that configuration (e.g., wherethird layer 30 is not present and second layer 28 comprises the belttail, the apparatus would be inserted between those two layers andlooped around the layers of the belt as described. The apparatus cansimilarly be used when there are additional layers. Accordingly, theapparatus is suitable for use with a belt that encircles the user'storso one or more times.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, the apparatus can be used to releasably securea section of a combative sports uniform cloth belt 24 of a user inaccordance with the present description. Preferably a pair of theapparatus are used to loop around the belt at desired locations oneither side of the knot 34 to keep an area between the free ends 32 andthe knot 28 secure, thereby preventing the knot 34 from loosening andthe belt 24 from unraveling during activity. It will be appreciated thata pair of the apparatus are shown and described but any number canalternatively be used to carry out the securing method described above.

From the description herein, it will be appreciated that the presentdisclosure encompasses multiple embodiments which include, but are notlimited to, the following:

1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used inmartial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) athin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a lengthand a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein thelength is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip isdivided into a first section and a second section between the first andsecond ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and asecond surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and asecond surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, whereinthe first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smoothsurface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises ahook material to provide a second fastening surface, and wherein thesecond surface of the second section comprises a loop material toprovide a first receiving surface.

2. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used inmartial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) athin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a lengthand a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein thelength is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip isdivided into a first section and a second section between the first andsecond ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and asecond surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and asecond surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, whereinthe second surface of the second section comprises a loop material toprovide a first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of thefirst section comprises a hook material to provide a second fasteningsurface, and wherein the first surface of the second section comprises aloop material to provide a second receiving surface.

3. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used inmartial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) athin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a lengthand a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein thelength is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip isdivided into a first section and a second section between the first andsecond ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and asecond surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and asecond surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, whereinthe first surface of the second section comprises a substantially smoothsurface, wherein the second surface of the first section comprises asubstantially smooth surface, and wherein the second surface of thesecond section comprises a loop material to provide a first receivingsurface.

4. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used inmartial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) athin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a lengthand a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein thelength is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip isdivided into a first section and a second section between the first andsecond ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and asecond surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and asecond surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, whereinthe second surface of the first section comprises a substantially smoothsurface, wherein the second surface of the second section comprises aloop material to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein thefirst surface of the second section comprises a loop material to providea second receiving surface.

5. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of the type used inmartial arts and other combative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) athin, elongate, generally rectangular strip of material having a lengthand a width, first and second ends defining the length, wherein thelength is substantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip isdivided into a first section and a second section between the first andsecond ends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and asecond surface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and asecond surface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first sectioncomprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein the first surface ofthe second section comprises a loop material to provide a firstreceiving surface, wherein the second surface of the first sectioncomprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface, andwherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loopmaterial to provide a second receiving surface.

6. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip ofmaterial is configured for at least a portion of the strip to beinserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers whenworn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at leasta portion of the first fastening surface of the first section contactsand adheres to at least a portion of the first receiving surface of thesecond section in a looped configuration that secures together thelayers of the belt.

7. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein the strip ofmaterial is configured for at least a portion of the strip to beinserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers whenworn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that at leasta portion of a fastening surface of the first section contacts andadheres to at least a portion of a receiving surface of the secondsection in a looped configuration that secures together the layers ofthe belt.

8. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising areinforced tip at an end of the strip.

9. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, further comprising areinforced tip at the second end of the strip.

10. The apparatus of any preceding embodiment, wherein at least onesmooth surface comprises a soft or plush surface.

11. A method for releasably securing a belt of the type used in martialarts and other combative sports, the method comprising: (a) providing anapparatus of any preceding embodiment; and (b) inserting at least aportion of the strip of material between two layers of a belt having aplurality of layers when worn, and looping the strip around all of thelayers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fastening surfaceof the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of areceiving surface of the second section in a looped configuration thatsecures together the layers of the belt.

As used herein, the singular terms “a,” “an,” and “the” may includeplural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.Reference to an object in the singular is not intended to mean “one andonly one” unless explicitly so stated, but rather “one or more.”

As used herein, the term “set” refers to a collection of one or moreobjects. Thus, for example, a set of objects can include a single objector multiple objects.

As used herein, the terms “substantially”, “approximately” and “about”are used to describe and account for small variations. When used inconjunction with an event or circumstance, the terms can refer toinstances in which the event or circumstance occurs precisely as well asinstances in which the event or circumstance occurs to a closeapproximation. When used in conjunction with a numerical value, theterms can refer to a range of variation of less than or equal to ±10% ofthat numerical value, such as less than or equal to ±5%, less than orequal to ±4%, less than or equal to ±3%, less than or equal to ±2%, lessthan or equal to ±1%, less than or equal to ±0.5%, less than or equal to±0.1%, or less than or equal to ±0.05%. For example, “substantially”aligned can refer to a range of angular variation of less than or equalto ±10°, such as less than or equal to ±5°, less than or equal to ±4°,less than or equal to ±3°, less than or equal to ±2°, less than or equalto ±1°, less than or equal to ±0.5°, less than or equal to ±0.1°, orless than or equal to ±0.05°.

Additionally, amounts, ratios, and other numerical values may sometimesbe presented herein in a range format. It is to be understood that suchrange format is used for convenience and brevity and should beunderstood flexibly to include numerical values explicitly specified aslimits of a range, but also to include all individual numerical valuesor sub-ranges encompassed within that range as if each numerical valueand sub-range is explicitly specified. For example, a ratio in the rangeof about 1 to about 200 should be understood to include the explicitlyrecited limits of about 1 and about 200, but also to include individualratios such as about 2, about 3, and about 4, and sub-ranges such asabout 10 to about 50, about 20 to about 100, and so forth.

Although the description herein contains many details, these should notbe construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure but as merelyproviding illustrations of some of the presently preferred embodiments.Therefore, it will be appreciated that the scope of the disclosure fullyencompasses other embodiments which may become obvious to those skilledin the art.

All structural and functional equivalents to the elements of thedisclosed embodiments that are known to those of ordinary skill in theart are expressly incorporated herein by reference and are intended tobe encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element,component, or method step in the present disclosure is intended to bededicated to the public regardless of whether the element, component, ormethod step is explicitly recited in the claims. No claim element hereinis to be construed as a “means plus function” element unless the elementis expressly recited using the phrase “means for”. No claim elementherein is to be construed as a “step plus function” element unless theelement is expressly recited using the phrase “step for”.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt ofthe type used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatuscomprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip ofmaterial having a length and a width, first and second ends defining thelength, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, andwherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second sectionbetween the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has afirst surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has afirst surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of thefirst section comprises a hook material to provide a first fasteningsurface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises asubstantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the firstsection comprises a hook material to provide a second fastening surface,and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loopmaterial to provide a first receiving surface.
 2. The apparatus of claim1, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material is configured tobe inserted between two layers of a belt having a plurality of layerswhen worn, and looped around all of the layers of the belt such that atleast a portion of the first fastening surface of the first sectioncontacts and adheres to at least a portion of the first receivingsurface of the second section in a looped configuration that securestogether the layers of the belt.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.
 4. The apparatus ofclaim 1, further comprising a reinforced tip at the second end of thestrip.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the smooth surface comprisesa soft or plush surface.
 6. An apparatus for releasably securing a beltof the type used in martial arts and other combative sports, theapparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular stripof material having a length and a width, first and second ends definingthe length, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width,and wherein the strip is divided into a first section and a secondsection between the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first sectionhas a first surface and a second surface, and wherein the second sectionhas a first surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surfaceof the first section comprises a hook material to provide a firstfastening surface, wherein the second surface of the second sectioncomprises a loop material to provide a first receiving surface, whereinthe second surface of the first section comprises a hook material toprovide a second fastening surface, and wherein the first surface of thesecond section comprises a loop material to provide a second receivingsurface.
 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein at least a portion of thestrip of material is configured to be inserted between two layers of abelt having a plurality of layers when worn, and looped around all ofthe layers of the belt such that at least a portion of a fasteningsurface of the first section contacts and adheres to at least a portionof a receiving surface of the second section in a looped configurationthat secures together the layers of the belt.
 8. The apparatus of claim6, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 6, further comprising a reinforced tip at the secondend of the strip.
 10. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of thetype used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatuscomprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip ofmaterial having a length and a width, first and second ends defining thelength, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, andwherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second sectionbetween the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has afirst surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has afirst surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of thefirst section comprises a hook material to provide a first fasteningsurface, wherein the first surface of the second section comprises asubstantially smooth surface, wherein the second surface of the firstsection comprises a substantially smooth surface, and wherein the secondsurface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide afirst receiving surface.
 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein at leasta portion of the strip of material is configured to be inserted betweentwo layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, and loopedaround all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portion of thefirst fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheres to atleast a portion of the first receiving surface of the second section ina looped configuration that secures together the layers of the belt. 12.The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising a reinforced tip at an endof the strip.
 13. The apparatus of claim 10, further comprising areinforced tip at the second end of the strip.
 14. The apparatus ofclaim 10, wherein at least one of said smooth surfaces comprises a softor plush surface.
 15. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of saidsmooth surfaces comprises a soft or plush surface.
 16. An apparatus forreleasably securing a belt of the type used in martial arts and othercombative sports, the apparatus comprising: (a) a thin, elongate,generally rectangular strip of material having a length and a width,first and second ends defining the length, wherein the length issubstantially greater than the width, and wherein the strip is dividedinto a first section and a second section between the first and secondends; (b) wherein the first section has a first surface and a secondsurface, and wherein the second section has a first surface and a secondsurface; (c) wherein the first surface of the first section comprises ahook material to provide a first fastening surface, wherein the secondsurface of the first section comprises a substantially smooth surface,wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loopmaterial to provide a first receiving surface, and wherein the firstsurface of the second section comprises a loop material to provide asecond receiving surface.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein atleast a portion of the strip of material is configured to be insertedbetween two layers of a belt having a plurality of layers when worn, andlooped around all of the layers of the belt such that at least a portionof the first fastening surface of the first section contacts and adheresto at least a portion of the first receiving surface of the secondsection in a looped configuration that secures together the layers ofthe belt.
 18. The apparatus of claim 16, further comprising a reinforcedtip at an end of the strip.
 19. The apparatus of claim 16, furthercomprising a reinforced tip at the second end of the strip.
 20. Theapparatus of claim 16, wherein the smooth surface comprises a soft orplush surface.
 21. An apparatus for releasably securing a belt of thetype used in martial arts and other combative sports, the apparatuscomprising: (a) a thin, elongate, generally rectangular strip ofmaterial having a length and a width, first and second ends defining thelength, wherein the length is substantially greater than the width, andwherein the strip is divided into a first section and a second sectionbetween the first and second ends; (b) wherein the first section has afirst surface and a second surface, and wherein the second section has afirst surface and a second surface; (c) wherein the first surface of thefirst section comprises a substantially smooth surface, wherein thefirst surface of the second section comprises a loop material to providea first receiving surface, wherein the second surface of the firstsection comprises a hook material to provide a first fastening surface,and wherein the second surface of the second section comprises a loopmaterial to provide a second receiving surface.
 22. The apparatus ofclaim 21, wherein at least a portion of the strip of material isconfigured to be inserted between two layers of a belt having aplurality of layers when worn, and looped around all of the layers ofthe belt such that at least a portion of the first fastening surface ofthe first section contacts and adheres to at least a portion of thefirst receiving surface of the second section in a looped configurationthat secures together the layers of the belt.
 23. The apparatus of claim21, further comprising a reinforced tip at an end of the strip.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 21, further comprising a reinforced tip at the secondend of the strip.
 25. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the smoothsurface comprises a soft or plush surface.